viii, 532 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : 25 cm

"The first major biography of an American icon, comedian Bill Cosby. Based on extensive research and in-depth interviews with Cosby and more than sixty of his closest friends and associates, it is a frank, fun and fascinating account of his life and historic legacy. Far from the gentle worlds of his routines or TV shows, Cosby grew up in a Philadelphia housing project, the son of an alcoholic, largely absent father and a loving but overworked mother. With novelistic detail, award winning journalist Mark Whitaker tells the story of how, after dropping out of high school, Cosby turned his life around by joining the Navy, talking his way into college, and seizing his first breaks as a stand-up comedian. Published on the 30th anniversary of The Cosby Show, the book reveals the behind-the-scenes story of that groundbreaking sitcom as well as Cosby's bestselling albums, breakout role on I Spy, and pioneering place in children's TV. But it also deals with professional setbacks and personal dramas, from an affair that sparked public scandal to the murder of his only son, and the private influence of his wife of fifty years, Camille Cosby. Whitaker explores the roots of Cosby's controversial stands on race, as well as "the Cosby effect" that helped pave the way for a black president. For any fan of Bill Cosby's work, and any student of American television, comedy, or social history, Cosby: His Life and Times is an essential read. "--

Includes bibliographical references (pages 477-506) and index

On the road again -- Granddad Samuel's bible -- A place in the Projects -- Lost in Germantown -- The Navy way -- The bar at Temple -- "Noah" in the village -- Two blind dates -- "Riggie" in Chicago -- "Sheldon's folly" -- "Television's Jackie Robinson" -- Mr. Crosley and Mr. Cups -- A world of "wonderfulness" -- Bigger than "I spy" -- Black is beautiful -- Bust in Beverly Hills -- More situation than comedy -- Fat Albert's new home -- Playboy of the West -- The art of Jell-O -- "Meet your new family" -- The serfs of Flatbush -- The master at work -- "It's not an invention" -- "A vein of gold" -- Ennis and Theo -- A gift marked Tiffany -- Nightmare off the 405 -- The trials of "Job" -- A death in the TV family -- Prophet of Pound Cake -- "The Cosby effect" -- The long-distance runner

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